London, May 11 (ANI): A new British healthy eating initiative has asked a number of nurseries to ban children from having sweets or cakes to celebrate birthdays.

The "Pre-School Nutrition Project", which was set up by Knowsley Borough Council and Chester University, sets out strict rules for nurseries which critics claimed risk "spoiling childhood".

Sweets and cakes brought in for children's birthdays cannot be eaten in the nursery, but must be handed to parents at the end of the day.

"Our Health and Wellbeing's Early Years Healthy Eating Guidelines encourage nurseries to provide healthy snacks and treats for all children in their care, and encourages them to choose foods and drinks that are not high in sugar as part of a healthy lifestyle," the Telegraph quoted Julie Tierney, the Assistant Public Health Director behind the scheme, as saying.

"It is important that special days are celebrated and nurseries are innovative and creative in the way that they do this without the need to give foods high in sugar," she stated.

But Nick Seaton, who chairs the Campaign for Real Education, condemned the scheme.

"I am all for nurseries encouraging children to eat healthier. But banning sweets on birthdays is taking it too far," he said.

"Diet is all about moderation and judgement. The powers that be should not be spoiling childhood all together.

"If you ban things completely some children will obviously rebel and it can be counter productive," he added.

Researchers at Chester University will evaluate the scheme, and a final report will be delivered to council chiefs on May 28. (ANI)